Method of attaching an RF ID tag to a hose and tracking system

ABSTRACT

A hose tracking system having a hose assembly with an attached RF ID tag imbedded therein during manufacture, molded thereon or permanently attached. The RF ID tag is coded with an identification specific to the particular hose assembly. An RF ID tag reader is provided, which is usable by a user to obtain the identification from the RF ID tag on the hose, preferably after it is installed at the user facility. The RF ID tag reader includes a user input for at least one trackable event and is at least one of connectable to a computer network or compatible for uploading the identification and any user input to a network accessible device. A network accessible hose database is provided, having hose-related information. The network accessible hose database provides access to a user to obtain the hose-related information based on the identification from the RF ID tag and receives and stores data related to the at least one trackable event.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/070,702, filed Mar. 2, 2005, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/549,388, filed Mar. 2, 2004, which isincorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a tracking system, and in particular atracking system which utilizes a radio frequency identification tag (RFID tag) in order to identify and track a hose assembly, provide accessto supporting documents and specifications for the hose assembly, andprovide customer access to data related to the hose assembly, the useand location of the hose assembly, as well as cataloguing event-specificdata related to the hose to allow the hose life to be predicted and areplacement to be ordered within a predetermined time period, preferablyusing an internet connection.

Systems are known for permanently associating identifying indicia with apreviously manufactured product. This is typically done in order toprovide positive identification of the product. Such indicia may bevisually readable by a user or machine-readable, such as via a magneticstrip reader or an optical or magnetic bar code. This type ofidentification has been done in accordance with specific industryrequirements, where it is often required to specifically identifysections of tubing or hose assemblies that are utilized during differentmanufacturing steps. Permanent placement of indicia on these tubingsections or hose assemblies prevents inadvertent loss of theidentification and therefore the ability to identify the articlethroughout its useable life.

In one known system, silicone sheet material having embedded therein aquantity of thermally activateable crosslinking catalyst is secured tothe product. An indicia-containing element is placed on the siliconesheet material and is then covered by another piece of the same type ofsilicone sheet material. Heat is then applied to the assembly, causingthe pieces of silicone material to crosslink together and encapsulatethe indicia-containing element. While this type of arrangement can beused, it has a high cost associated with applying the multiple layers ofmaterial, and a better system for attaching indicia to a tube or hoseassembly for tracking purposes is required.

RF ID tags have also been known and have been adapted to various uses,such as inventory control and theft protection of items. The heart of anRF ID system is an information-carrying tag that functions in responseto a coded RF signal received from a mobile reader or base station. Thetag reflects the incident RF carrier back to the RF ID tag reader orbase station and the information transferred as the reflected signal ismodulated by the tag according to its programmed information protocol.RF ID tags may be active, in which a power source is provided, orpassive, in which the energy for the reflected signal is derived fromthe RF signal from the base station or RF ID tag reader used tointerrogate the tag. The RF ID tags can be programmed or encoded withspecific information, such as an individual identification number for aproduct, such as a serial number, and/or additional product information,depending upon the complexity of the RF ID tag. However, in most generalapplications, a simple identification number is sufficient.

In many industries, such as pharmaceutical, biotech and chemicalindustries, it is difficult to obtain good data with respect to the lifeof hose assemblies in view of the many processing requirements requiredby various applications. Accordingly, it has been difficult to predictthe expected life of a hose assembly, depending upon the particularapplication, and oftentimes a hose assembly for a particular applicationis discovered to be no longer serviceable when it fails in use,resulting in downtime for the equipment while a new replacement part isprocured, as well as loss of product being processed and/orcontamination. The life of the hose assembly can be affected bydifferent factors, such as processing times, number of batches ofmaterial processed, as well as cleaning cycles. However, no efficientmeans exists to track these factors, and tracking becomes even moredifficult when no specific identification is associated with the hoseassemblies, either through loss or labeling that cannot be read due touse and/or repeated cleanings.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a better and moreefficient means for attaching indicia to a hose assembly as well as theability to track predetermined events with respect to the hose assembly,as well as using the identification to obtain hose-related data,specifications and certifications as required from a manufacturer. Itwould also be desirable to provide an easier and more efficient systemfor tracking hose life so that replacement hoses can be ordered in atimely manner prior to failure of the hose and within a projected lifeexpectancy.

SUMMARY

Briefly stated, the present invention provides a hose tracking system.The system includes a hose assembly with an attached RF ID tag imbeddedtherein during manufacture, molded thereon, or permanently attached. TheRF ID tag is coded with an identification specific to the particularhose assembly. An RF ID tag reader is provided that is usable by a userto obtain the identification from the RF ID tag on the hose, preferablyafter it is installed at the user facility. The RF ID tag readerincludes a user input for at least one trackable event, which can be,for example, an installation date, cleaning date or dates, and/or numberof batches of material transferred through the hose assembly. The RF IDtag reader is at least one of connectable to a computer network orcompatible for uploading the identification and any user input to anetwork accessible device, for example, a PC. A network accessible hosedatabase is provided, having hose-related information, including atleast one of a manufacturing date, a replacement date, a batch number, alot number, material specifications, material lot number, certificatesof compliance, size specifications, fitting specifications, description,drawings, customer data, batch process description, cleaning operationsand customer application associated with the identification for the hoseassembly. The word “and”, as recited in the preceding sentence,indicates that one, all, or any combination of the listed items ofhose-related information may be included in the network accessibledatabase. The network accessible hose database provides access to a userto obtain the hose-related information based on the identification fromthe RF ID tag and receives and stores data related to the at least onetrackable event, preferably by uploading the data from the RF ID tagreader itself, if it is connectable to the network, or from theinformation uploaded from the RF ID tag reader to the network accessdevice.

In another aspect, the invention provides a trackable hose assembly,which includes a hose having two ends. A fitting is preferably locatedon each end of the hose. An RF ID tag programmed with a serial numberand one or more selectable or user defined parameters, such as cleaningprocesses or user batch process information, is encapsulated in a moldedsleeve formed on an exterior surface of the hose. The molded sleeve ispreferably made from a clear molding compound, such as silicone, and isformed via liquid injection molding and cured in place on the hose.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method of tracking a hoseassembly using a tracking system for obtaining hose data. The methodincludes: affixing an RF ID tag encoded with an identification on thehose assembly; providing hose information relating to the hose assemblyto a hose database correlated to the identification; a user reading theRF ID tag with an RF ID tag reader; the user inputting at least onetrackable event regarding the hose assembly into the RF ID tag reader;uploading data from the RF ID tag reader to a network accessible deviceor connecting the RF ID tag reader to a network; accessing the hosedatabase; retrieving data relating to the hose assembly from the hosedatabase using the identification; and uploading data on the at leastone trackable event to a hose history database to build the hose historydatabase.

The invention also provides a method of affixing an RF ID tag to a hose.The method preferably includes: placing an RF ID tag programmed with anidentification on one of an outer diameter of a hose or inside a moldcavity of a mold adapted to be placed around the hose; placing the moldaround the hose and the RF ID tag located in proximity to an outersurface of the hose, the mold including openings sized to allow the hoseto pass therethrough and forming an annular chamber between an outersurface of the hose and an inner surface of the mold; injecting a liquidmolding compound into the mold; curing the liquid injection moldingcompound; and removing the hose from the mold.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing Summary and the following detailed description will bebetter understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings,which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention. In thedrawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a hose tracking system in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a hose assembly in accordance with the presentinvention shown in the process of having the RF ID tag molded thereon.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the top mold half shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is side view of the top mold half shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a plan view looking downwardly into the mold cavity of thebottom mold half.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the bottom mold half.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a hose assembly having a molded-on RF ID tag,as well as molded on readable indicia in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a hose assembly having a field installable RFID tag encased in silicone tape in accordance with a first alternativepreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a hose assembly having a field installable RFID tag enclosed in an encapsulating strap in accordance with a secondalternative preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the encapsulating strap shown in FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenienceonly and is not limiting. The words “right,” “left,” “lower” and “upper”designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Thewords “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and awayfrom, respectively, the hose assembly and/or tools shown and designatedparts thereof. The terminology includes the words above specificallymentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a hose tracking system 10 in accordance withthe present invention is shown. The hose tracking system 10 is used inconjunction with a hose assembly 12 with an attached RF ID tag 14embedded therein during manufacture or molded thereon. The RF ID tag 14is of the type generally known in the art and may be an active orpassive RF ID tag. Preferably, the RF ID tag 14 is encoded with at leastan identification or serial number for the hose, which is assigned bythe manufacturer in order to allow each hose assembly 12 that has beenmanufactured to be tracked individually. The RF ID tag 14 is preferablyable to withstand repeated heat cycles of up to 200° C., typical of hosecleaning operations through steam cleaning or autoclaving.

Preferably, the RF ID tag 14 is attached to the hose assembly 12 or ahose or other article to be tracked during manufacture, or is moldedthereon in a permanent manner so that it cannot be inadvertently removedor tampered with.

In the preferred application for the hose tracking system 10, the RF IDtag 14 is attached to the hose by a liquid injection molding process, asshown in FIG. 2. Upper and lower mold halves 20 and 26, respectively,are placed on either side of an outer surface 13 of the hose 12. The RFID tag 14 is located in proximity to the outer surface of the hose 12,and the mold, formed from the upper and lower mold halves 20, 26includes openings located on the left and right sides to allow the hose12 to pass therethrough, and forms an annular chamber 28 between anouter surface 13 of the hose 12 and an inner surface 21, 27 of the upperand lower mold halves 20, 26. Preferably, a cavity 29 for receiving theRF ID tag 14 is formed in the mold, and in the preferred embodiment isformed in the lower mold half 26, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The RF IDtag 14 can be placed on the outer surface 13 of the hose 12 in aposition which corresponds to the position of the cavity 29, oralternatively can be placed in the cavity 29 prior to placing the moldhalves 20, 26 around the hose 12. Once the mold is clamped in position,a liquid molding compound is injected into the mold 20, 26. The liquidmolding compound, which is preferably a clear liquid silicone rubber, isthen cured. Other suitable high temperature and moisture resistantmaterials can optionally be utilized.

After the molding compound is cured, the mold is removed from the hose12. In order to enhance the cure rate, in a preferred embodiment, themold is preheated to a curing temperature of the molding compound priorto or after injecting the liquid molding compound into the mold. Thiscan be a temperature of approximately 250-290° F. for low temperaturecuring silicone rubber compounds. For example, the mold halves 20, 26can be heated to 250° F. if a liquid silicone rubber is utilized. Othertemperatures could be used for other suitable molding materials.

As shown in FIG. 7, this results in a molded-on band 30 formed on thehose 12, which encapsulates the RF ID tag 14. In a preferred embodiment,a label 16 with user-readable indicia can be placed in proximity to theouter surface 13 of the hose in the area of the mold cavity, so that theuser-readable indicia is affixed to the hose 12 with the RF ID tag 14.The label 16 can be on the same side of the hose as the RF ID tag 14, asshown in FIG. 7, or in another preferred embodiment, the label 16 can belocated on an opposite side of the hose 12 from the RF ID tag 14. Byusing a clear liquid silicone as the molding compound, the user-readableindicia remains visible even after repeated cleanings of the hoseassembly 12. It is also possible to encapsulate other types ofmachine-readable indicia, such as a bar code or magnetic strip.

While it is preferred that the RF ID tag 14 is attached in a separateoperation, the RF ID tag 14 could also be molded into the hose itself,especially in the case of a multi-layer hose, where the RF ID tag 14 canbe positioned beneath an outermost layer of material or jacket on thehose and encapsulated thereon. Alternatively, the RF ID tag 14 could beattached by other means.

Referring to FIG. 8, a hose assembly 112 according to a firstalternative preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. AnRF ID tag 114 is encased on a surface 113 of the hose assembly 112 by alayer of tape 130. The tape 130 is preferably a self-adhering tape suchas a self fusing silicone or adhesive tape. During installation, the RFID tag is placed on the surface 113 of the hose assembly 112 and thetape 130 is wrapped once or more times around the hose assembly 112 tosecure the tag 114 to the hose assembly 112.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a hose assembly 212 according to a secondalternative preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. Astrap 230 contains an RF ID tag 214 encapsulated therein. The strap 230includes interlocking portions 232 which can be connected forpermanently or removably connecting the strap 230 to the hose assembly212. Preferably an adhesive, such as an RTV silicone sealant, is appliedto the strap 230 to provide a permanent bond between the strap 230 andthe hose assembly 212. Alternatively, a heat shrinkable polymer band orother pre-formed band that can be bonded or otherwise affixed to a hoseto connect an RFID tag. For example, a pre-formed silicone band could beinstalled on a hose over the RF ID tag 14 and then be sealed in placeusing an RTV silicon sealant. These alternative embodiments may besuitable in certain applications because they provide a fieldinstallable method for permanently attaching an RF ID tag. However, forhose assemblies that must be steam cleaned or autoclaved, the molded-onsystem described above and shown in FIG. 7 is preferred due to the sealof the liquid injection molded band 30 against the hose 12 preventingthe ingress of contaminants or cleaning agents.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the hose assembly 12 is preferably installedat a user facility in connection with certain processing equipment 15.This can be used for pharmaceutical and/or biochemical processing ofdrugs and/or other high purity requiring compounds and/or chemicalprocessing facilities in which caustic materials are carried by the hoseassembly 12.

An RF ID tag reader 18 is provided, which is adapted to be used by auser to obtain the identification and stored information from the RF IDtag 14. Preferably, the RF ID tag reader 18 also includes a user input,preferably in the form of a keyboard, for tracking at least onetrackable event. The trackable event can be related to an installationdate of the hose, or it could also include a series of trackable events,such as how many times a hose assembly 12 is cleaned in place usingchemical cleaners or steam, and/or is cleaned through removal of thehose and autoclaving the hose assembly 12. These trackable events in thecontext of the hose tracking system 10 all relate to the wear life ofthe hose assembly 12. Through the tracking of these events, it ispossible to provide a more accurate method of predicting hose life andobtaining replacement hose assemblies prior to failure. The RF ID tagreader 18 is at least one of connectable to a computer network, forexample, through a wireless connection as in PDAs or other wirelessnetwork access devices (shown as a dashed line in FIG. 1), or iscompatible for uploading the identification from the RF ID tag 14 andthe user input to a network accessible device, for example, a PC 40 asshown in FIG. 1. Such connections which preferably provide access to theinternet, either through a wireless connection and/or via a modem, DSLor T1 cable, are generally known and accordingly, a further descriptionis not necessary for those of ordinary skill in this field.

Preferably, a local hose track history database 73 is provided on the PC40 in which data from the RF ID tag reader 18 can be stored. The usercan make an internet connection to a network accessible hose database50, preferably located in a website 52 operated by the hose assemblymanufacturer or any other suitable tracking organization. The networkaccessible hose database 50 includes hose-related information, includingbut not limited to manufacturing date, replacement date batch number,lot number, material specifications, material lot number, certificatesof compliance, size specification with respect to both the length anddiameter of the hose, fitting specifications, including material andsize, a description of the hose assembly, drawings, batch processdescription, cleaning operations and any customer-related data withrespect to the intended use or application of the hose assembly. Thisinformation is all provided in the hose database 50 and is associated orcorrelated with the identification originally provided or encoded in theRF ID tag 14 for the hose assembly 12.

The network accessible hose database 50 provides access to a user,preferably through a user access system 54, wherein a user logs in usinga specific user ID at a log in screen 56. During the log in process, orthereafter, data on the at least one trackable event is uploaded fromthe RF ID tag reader 18 or the network access device 40 and is receivedand stored in the local hose track database 73 and can then optionallybe stored in the hose track website 52. This is preferably done based onthe RF ID for the particular hose assembly 12 in question, or can bedone for a series of different hose assemblies 12, each having its ownunique RF ID, from the data which has been collected by the user at theuser facility. In the preferred embodiment, the data related to the atleast one trackable event is stored in a hose history database 58, whichis used to store data on one or more trackable events, which in thepreferred embodiment are related to hose life and hose wear.Additionally, preferably a reorder system 60 is provided, which allowsthe user to reorder a new hose assembly based on the RF ID tag 14identification. This is preferably used in connection with the RF ID andthe hose database 50, so that all of the specifications for a particularhose assembly 12 can be obtained from the hose database 50 to streamlinethe reorder process. Additionally, the user database 73 preferablyinterfaces with the hose history database 58, so that order patterns incomparison to the series of trackable events stored in the hose historydatabase 58 can be compared and/or the trackable events can be used inconnection with generating automatic reorders via an automatic noticesystem 62, which interfaces with at least one of the hose database 50and the hose history database 58 regarding an expected replacement lifeof the hose assembly 12 and generates an electronic notice to the userprior to an expiration of the hose assembly replacement life based onthe hose history database 58. This notice is preferably sent via e-mailor may be generated internally to send a reminder by mail or via othermeans.

Additionally, depending upon a user's needs, an automatic reorder system64 is provided, which generates an automatic reorder based on the hosedatabase 50, when the expected life of the hose assembly 12 has almostexpired. This can be set up in advance to generate an automatic reorderusing the hose specifications from the hose database 50 at apredetermined time period, for example, 30 days, prior to the expectedexpiration life of the hose assembly 12. An automatic reorder notice canbe sent via e-mail to the user over the internet, or it can be sent byother means. Additionally, the automatic reorder system 64 communicates,preferably electronically, directly with the manufacturer's order andproductions systems 70, so that manufacture of the new hose assembly 12is completed and the new hose assembly shipped prior to expiration ofthe expected life of an installed hose assembly 12. The manufacturerthen updates the hose database 50, either directly or through a networkconnection with the RF ID and hose data 72 for the new hose assembly.

In addition to reorders, notices can be sent to a user regarding atleast one of maintenance information and/or recall information for thehose assembly 12, which is accessible based on the RF ID tagidentification when a user logs in using the user access connection, orwhich can be automatically generated and e-mailed to a user.

The system 10 provides 24-hour access to a user of all informationregarding any specific hose assembly 12 via the internet and the uniquehose assembly identification provided by the RF ID tag 14. The system 10also provides an easy and convenient way for a user to reorder anexisting hose, based on an existing specification in the hose database50 for the particular user application.

The system 10 also provides a means for predicting the life of the hoseby building the hose history database 58, which preferably includes datarelated to one or more hose life related trackable events. In the caseof a hose assembly 12 used in ultrapure material processing, such aspharmaceutical, biotech, cosmetic and/or food processing to track wearrelated events, these events can be the installation date of the hose,cleaning of the hose, which often involves caustic and/or materialdegrading processes, and the number of batches of material processed sothat after a predictable number of events, replacement of the hoseassembly 12 can be accomplished prior to degradation or failure. Bydeveloping the hose history database 58 in conjunction with the user,the hose track system 10 provides for automatic notices regarding theexpected expiration life of the hose and can even provide automaticreordering of the hose, so that a user does not face downtime when ahose assembly 12 fails in use or is no longer serviceable and areplacement must be obtained on an expedited basis.

Additionally, for processing equipment used to produce FDA-approved ortested products, the system provides a means for tracking items whichcan degrade during use and replacing them prior to any failure orcontamination due to degradation.

By providing automatic contact to the customer that hose assembly 12needs replacement and/or by providing an option for a customer to haveautomatic reordering carried out based upon the hose history database58, the present invention streamlines the ordering and replacementprocess and also avoids downtime associated with hose assembly failureswhich could have been easily predicted.

While the hose track system 10 is preferably for use in connection withan RF ID tag 14 located on a hose assembly, which can be read regardlessof any degradation that occurs to the molded-on band 30 used to attachthe RF ID tag 14 to the hose assembly 12, it could also be used inconnection with other types of machine-readable ID information, forexample, bar codes and/or magnetic strips.

In a method according to the invention, the hose track system 10 is usedto track a hose assembly 12 and for obtaining hose data related to, forexample, the manufacturing date, batch number, lot number, materialspecifications, material lot number, certificates of compliance, sizespecifications, fitting specifications, description, customer dataand/or customer application associated with a particular uniqueidentification for the hose assembly 12. The RF ID tag 14 encoded withthe particular identification for a hose assembly 14 is affixed to thehose assembly 14, preferably through a liquid injection molding process,so that it becomes permanently attached to the hose. The hoseinformation related to the hose assembly 12 is loaded into a hosedatabase 50 and correlated to the identification provide by the RF IDtag 14 for the particular hose. This can be done by a manufacturer oranother service which is subscribed to by both the manufacturer and theuser. In order to utilize this system, a user reads the RF ID tag 14utilizing an RF ID tag reader 18. The user also inputs at least onetrackable event regarding the hose assembly 12 into the RF ID tag reader18. The data from the RF ID tag reader 18, specifically theidentification as well as the user input regarding the at least onetrackable event, are uploaded from the RF ID tag reader 18 to a networkaccessible device or the RF ID reader 18 itself is connected to thenetwork, for example, through a wireless or plug connection. The usercan then access the hose database 50 and retrieve data relating to thehose assembly 12 using the specific identification provided by the RF IDtag 14 for the hose assembly 12. Additionally, data on the at least onetrackable event is uploaded to a hose history database 58 in order tobuild the hose history database 58. Preferably, a user can log in to thehose tracking system 10 on a periodic basis and analyze data regarding aseries of trackable events, for example, the number of times a hoseassembly 12 was cleaned, the number of batches of material that wereprocessed through the hose assembly 12 and/or any other periodictrackable events that have an effect on hose life. Utilizing the data inthe hose history database 58, an expected hose life can be determinedbased on at least one of the hose history database 58 and the customerreorder data, which is received in the reordering system 60. Utilizingthis data, a user can determine a hose life expectancy based on the hosehistory database 58.

An automatic reorder system 64 interfaces with the hose database 50 andelectronically notifies the user to reorder a particular hose assembly12 for a specific application based upon an expiration of the determinedhose life expectancy. This can also be done to automatically reorder thehose assembly 12 prior to an expiration of a hose life expectancy.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention is directed to trackinga hose life expectancy and allowing automatic reordering as well asaccess to all the hose data using the hose tracking system 10, thiscould be used in other applications.

1. A hose tracking system, comprising: a hose assembly with an attachedRF ID tag embedded therein during manufacture, molded thereon, orpermanently attached, the RF ID tag being encoded with anidentification; an RF ID tag reader useable by a user to obtain theidentification from the RF ID tag on the hose assembly and including auser input for at least one trackable event, and being at least one ofconnectable to a computer network or compatible for uploading theidentification and the user input to a network access device; and anetwork accessible hose database having hose related information,including at least one of manufacturing date, replacement date, batchnumber, lot number, material specifications, material lot number,certificates of compliance, size specifications, fitting specifications,description, drawings, customer data, batch process description,cleaning operations and customer application associated with theidentification for the hose assembly, the network accessible hosedatabase providing access to a user to obtain the hose relatedinformation based on the identification.
 2. The hose tracking system ofclaim 1, further comprising a user interface and a re-order databaseprovided with the network accessible database which allows a user tore-order a new hose assembly based on the RF ID tag identification. 3.The hose tracking system of claim 1, wherein the hose database isconfigured to receive and store data related to the at least onetrackable event.
 4. The hose tracking system of claim 3, wherein thedata related to the at least one trackable event is stored in a hosehistory database which is used to store data on a series of trackableevents.
 5. (canceled)
 6. The hose tracking system of claim 1, furthercomprising a user notice database having at least one of maintenanceinformation and recall information for the hose assembly which isaccessible based on the RF ID tag identification.
 7. The hose trackingsystem of claim 1, wherein the network access device is a computer. 8.The hose tracking system of claim 1, wherein the hose assemblycomprises: a hose and fittings on the opposing ends of the hose, the RFID tag being molded onto an exterior surface of the hose with a curableliquid injection molding compound.
 9. (canceled)
 10. (canceled)
 11. Thehose tracking system of claim 1, further comprising a tape whichconnects the RF ID tag to the hose assembly.
 12. The hose trackingsystem of claim 11, wherein the tape includes a silicone tape.
 13. Thehose tracking system of claim 1, further comprising an encapsulated RFID strap which contains the RF ID tag, the strap including interlockingportions which connect the strap to the hose assembly.
 14. (canceled)15. A trackable hose assembly, comprising: a hose having two ends; afitting located on each hose end; and an RF ID tag programmed with atleast one of a hose serial number, lot number, manufacturing date,replacement date and customer data encapsulated in a molded sleeveformed on an exterior surface of the hose.
 16. The trackable hoseassembly of claim 15, wherein the molded sleeve is a cured liquidinjection molded sleeve formed from a clear molding compound.
 17. Thetrackable hose assembly of claim 16, wherein the clear molding compoundis a silicone rubber.
 18. The trackable hose assembly of claim 16,further comprising user readable indicia encapsulated in the moldedsleeve.
 19. A method of tracking a hose assembly using a tracking systemfor obtaining hose data, comprising: affixing an RF ID tag encoded withan identification on the hose assembly; providing hose informationrelating to the hose assembly to a hose database correlated to theidentification; a user reading the RF ID tag with an RF ID tag reader;the user inputting at least one trackable event regarding the hoseassembly into the RF ID tag reader; uploading data from the RF ID tagreader to a network accessible device or connecting the RF ID tag readerto a network; accessing the hose database; retrieving data relating tothe hose assembly from the hose database using the identification; anduploading data on the at least one trackable event to a hose historydatabase to build the hose history database.
 20. The method of claim 19,further comprising: a user using the internet and logging into a hostweb site to access the hose database; and the uploading of the datarelating to the at least one trackable event regarding the hose assemblyincludes uploading data on a series of trackable events.
 21. The methodof claim 19, wherein the trackable event is a hose assembly wear relatedevent. 22-25. (canceled)
 26. The method of claim 19, further comprising:reordering a new hose assembly based on the hose database and the hoseidentification.
 27. The method of claim 19, further comprising:automatically notifying the user regarding at least one of a maintenanceand a recall.
 28. A method of affixing an RF ID tag to a hose,comprising: placing an RF ID tag programmed with an identification onone of an outer surface of a hose or inside a mold cavity of a moldadapted to be placed around the hose; placing the mold around the hose,the mold including openings sized to allow the hose to pass therethroughand forming an annular chamber between an outer surface of the hose, andan inner surface of the mold; injecting a liquid molding compound intothe mold; curing the liquid molding compound; and removing the hose fromthe mold.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the mold is provided intwo halves, and the method includes pre-heating the mold to a curingtemperature of the molding compound.
 30. The method of claim 28, whereinthe liquid molding compound is a clear liquid silicone rubber. 31.(canceled)
 32. A method of installing an RF ID tag onto a hosecomprising: providing a self-adhering tape, wrapping the self-adheringtape around the hose with the RF ID tag disposed between at least aportion of the self-adhering tape and the hose.
 33. The method of claim32, wherein the providing of the self-adhering tape includes providing asilicone tape.